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Old May 14th 08, 01:31 PM posted to misc.kids
Beth Kevles
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Posts: 269
Default my 6 year old poops his pants


Encoporesis (pooping in the pants) is not *that* unusual in school-aged
children. If it appears *after* the completion of toilet training
(typically when a child starts formal schooling) then it probably means
that that the child has gotten into the habit of holding back (for
example, waiting to get home to poop) with the consequence that the
bowel becomes distorted and it moves from a behavioral problem to a
medical problem.

And yes, if not attended to and resolved, it can become a problem with
very long-term consequences.

The medical problem is basically that, with the bowel distored by the
large amount of poop retained, the signals that normally tell you when
you need to go stop working and the child stops even realizing that his
bowel is full. And the poop seeps out, without the child having any
control.

The solution is multi-step.

First, if the behavioral root of the problem still exists, eliminate
it. Sometimes it can be as simple as telling the child it's okay to use
the toilet at school. Sometimes it means solving a bullying problem in
the bathroom. Whatever it is, resolve it as best you can.

Now, the medical part. It's important that your child get on a regular
schedule, at least for a while. Many doctors recommend a diet high in
fiber and fluids, but also a daily dose of mineral oil. Then require
your child to sit on the toilet every morning and evening.

Once your chid is pooping at least once a day the problem will start to
resolve. After a couple of months of regularity, the bowel should stop
being distended and the child should be recognizing his own body signals
successfully.

Frequent soiling is definitely a problem to be discussed with the
child's pediatrician. Although withholding can be a cause, there are
other possible causes as well.

I hope these thoughts help,
--Beth Kevles
-THE-COM-HERE
http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

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